Mauricio Pochettino Leaves US Post to Take Over as Manchester United Manager

UPDATE - follow-up to Pochettino to sign two-and-a-half-year Manchester United deal; Fernandes rejects second contract offer: football – live: Mauricio Pochettino's move from the US men's national team to Manchester United has been confirmed. Pochettino has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to replace Michael Carrick, who was sacked on Thursday after leading United to their worst start to a season in four decades.

US Team Farewell

Pochettino will guide the US through a pair of Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday before joining United. During an emotional press conference where his voice cracked, the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Southampton manager explained that opportunities like Manchester United are rare and difficult to turn down. According to the Indian Express, he had agreed to a contract with the US team through the 2030 World Cup just three months ago.

Upcoming Fixtures

Pochettino's first game in charge will be away at Liverpool on next Sunday, November 22. His opening six fixtures include Premier League matches against Liverpool, Brentford, Newcastle, and Coventry, alongside Champions League games against Sporting and RB Leipzig.

Context

Manchester United has struggled to find consistent success since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after winning a record 13 Premier League titles. Several high-profile managers have since taken charge without replicating that long-term stability.